The Story & Intro
Ever since I was a little girl growing up in Crete, the holidays always felt like the warmest part of winter. My grandmother and I would spend days in the kitchen baking, stirring, laughing and sometimes making a big, beautiful mess. She taught me that food isn’t just something we eat. It’s a memory in the making, a story you can taste. And even though peppermint wasn’t a regular flavor in Greek homes, she absolutely adored trying anything new.
The first time I made Marshmallow Peppermint Bark, I remember thinking how fun it felt to mix something soft and chewy, like marshmallows, with cool peppermint and creamy chocolate. It reminded me of the way my grandmother loved combining the unexpected classic recipes with just a bit of creativity. And honestly, that’s still how I cook today.
Marshmallow Peppermint Bark quickly became one of my absolute favorite holiday treats. It’s festive, colorful, and packed with texture. You get smooth chocolate, crunchy peppermint, and soft marshmallow all in one bite. The best part? Even if your kitchen ends up dusted in candy cane crumbs (trust me, it happens every time!), making this recipe feels joyful.
Now, when I make this Marshmallow Peppermint Bark, I think about how cooking connects generations of women in my family. My grandmother passed her love of simple, tasty recipes to my mother, who passed it to me. And now I’m sharing it with you. Whether you’re brand-new to holiday treats or already love peppermint desserts, this recipe is a must-try. It’s fun, festive, and comes together with just a few ingredients.
So grab your marshmallows, your chocolate, and your candy canes we’re about to make a treat that tastes like holiday magic. And trust me, this Marshmallow Peppermint Bark will become a favorite in your home too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Marshmallow Peppermint Bark recipe is simple, quick, and uses pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chocolate Base
- 12 oz semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoother melting)
For the Marshmallow & Peppermint Layer
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 6–8 peppermint candy canes, crushed
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (optional for stronger peppermint flavor)
Optional Toppings
- Extra melted chocolate for drizzling
- Sprinkles
- Mini chocolate chips
- White chocolate curls
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift and break your Marshmallow Peppermint Bark once it sets.
2. Melt the Semisweet Chocolate
Use a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler.
Heat gently until melted and smooth. Stir in ½ teaspoon peppermint extract if you want extra mint flavor.
3. Spread the First Layer
Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
Place it in the fridge for 10–12 minutes until slightly firm, but not fully hardened.
4. Scatter the Marshmallows
Before adding the white chocolate layer, sprinkle the marshmallows evenly over the set chocolate. Press them gently so they adhere.
5. Melt the White Chocolate
White chocolate melts quickly, so heat it slowly and mix well. Add vegetable oil if you’d like a silkier texture.
6. Add the White Chocolate Layer
Pour the melted white chocolate over the marshmallows. Spread it evenly so everything sticks together.
7. Add the Peppermint Magic
Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Press lightly so they attach to the melting chocolate.
8. Chill Until Firm
Place the tray in the fridge for 30–40 minutes until the Marshmallow Peppermint Bark is firm enough to break.
9. Break Into Pieces
Lift the bark from the pan using the parchment paper.
Break into rustic pieces you want different shapes and sizes!
Serving Suggestions
There are so many fun ways to serve Marshmallow Peppermint Bark:
- Add pieces to holiday dessert platters.
- Pair with hot chocolate for a cozy night in.
- Place in festive tins for gifting.
- Chop and fold into homemade cookies.
- Use as a topping for winter ice cream sundaes.
- Add to holiday snack mixes for extra crunch and sweetness.
This treat is incredibly versatile and adds instant holiday charm to anything you serve it with.
Storage Tips
This bark stores wonderfully, and the marshmallows stay soft for days.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Avoid freezing marshmallows don’t freeze well and become hard.
Recipe Card 📝✨
⏰ Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- Semisweet chocolate
- White chocolate
- Mini marshmallows
- Crushed peppermint candy canes
- Peppermint extract (optional)
- Vegetable oil (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Melt semisweet chocolate.
- Spread and chill slightly.
- Add mini marshmallows.
- Melt white chocolate and spread.
- Add crushed candy canes.
- Chill until firm.
- Break into pieces and enjoy!
💡 Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for the smoothest results.
- Crush candy canes inside a plastic bag less mess!
- For a thicker bark, double the chocolate layers.
🍫 Nutrition (Approx. per piece)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 20g
- Carbs: 22g
- Protein: 1g
Conclusion
Marshmallow Peppermint Bark is the dessert you didn’t know you needed fun, festive, and perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks. It brings together everything we love about holiday treats: chocolate, peppermint, and a little sparkle of sweetness from soft marshmallows.
Every time I make it, I’m reminded of the joy my grandmother brought into our kitchen in Crete. Food connects us, teaches us, and helps us make new memories. And now, with this Marshmallow Peppermint Bark recipe, I hope you feel inspired to create some new memories of your own whether you’re making it with your kids, gifting it to friends, or enjoying a cozy night at home.
Simple ingredients. Big flavor. Pure holiday happiness.